[Geochelone sulcata]
Habitat: Dry regions, woodlands and semi-desert grasslands
Length: Male (35″) Female (26″)
Weight: 220 lbs
Max Lifespan: 100 years
Incubation Period: 212 days in the wild
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
– Also known as the African Sulcata Tortoise
– Largest mainland tortoise
– Name comes from distinctive spurs on the rear legs
– Five toes on front feet and 4 toes on hind feet
– Dig permanent sleeping burrows
– Females dig a pit to lay eggs and then cover them with dirt
– Hatchlings take 3-10 days to escape to the surface